Support the proposed UGB in Sisters
The Sisters UGB process is ready to cross the finish line in final adoption hearings, and it’s time for the community to give a final push of support to ensure we get to the other side.
We're excited that the city's proposed UGB offers a balanced, efficient, and community-supported approach that meets growth needs while protecting the character and resources unique to the Sisters area. It meets the applicable City, County, and State criteria, and it’s backed by a thorough, transparent, and community-driven process.
Scroll down for information about the three public hearings, with details on how to provide input and a set of talking points to choose from or build upon.
1.) Sisters Planning Commission - May 21, 2026, 5:30 pm
The proposed UGB passed this first hearing with a 3-2 vote.
2.) Deschutes County Planning Commission - May 28, 2026, 5:30 pm
UGB Hearing and Recommendation to Board of County Commissioners: Deschutes County Plan Amendment and Zone Change
Watch a recording of the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTLWHtZfaJA
Written testimony remains open until June 4:
Written comments can be submitted to Kyle Collins, Senior Planner Kyle.Collins@deschutes.org
3.) Joint Sisters City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners - Date and Time TBD
UGB hearing to adopt Sisters UGB
A final hearing will be held following the conclusion of the Planning Commission process. Watch for an update and reminder once this is scheduled.
5 TALKING POINTS TO WORK WITH
You can use any of the talking points below as starting points, or draft your own.
When submitting written testimony, you can submit your comments to both the city and the county by emailing cjenkins@ci.sisters.or.us and Kyle.Collins@deschutes.org at the same time.
1. Comes as the result of a community-driven process
The proposed UGB reflects community preferences by refining the most supported alternatives from the engagement process and open house, demonstrating alignment with local values and priorities. Several property owners in the proposed UGB area have expressed their interest in being included in the UGB, and a respected local developer has shared a coordinated development plan for a large portion of the area.
2. Meets the criteria for approval
The proposed UGB meets the State’s criteria for approval, and in doing so, meets many community needs including:
The development of a complete community, including affordable housing
The proposed UGB supports the development of a walkable, connected neighborhood with housing, jobs, and services near downtown Sisters.
Sufficient and appropriate acreage
The expansion area is right-sized for the City’s next 20-years of growth and aligns with the City's projected land need.
Alignment with Statewide Planning Goal 14
The proposed UGB meets Goal 14 by directing growth to “Priority 1” lands that serve future needs and fit with nearby farm and forest uses.
Protects natural resources and community-valued lands
By focusing future growth on lands already impacted by rural development, this intentional growth safeguards critical resources, habitat, and working lands.
3. Can deliver on urgent affordable housing needs
With several large, minimally developed parcels adjacent to the existing boundary and infrastructure, the proposed area is well-positioned to deliver on the city's most urgent housing needs in the near term, and support sustained development over the long term.
The City is also drafting annexation policies that would require affordable, deed-restricted housing throughout the expansion area.
Critically, timely approval of this UGB expansion is essential to begin delivering the affordable housing needed by the community now. A delayed expansion process would require a new analysis of housing and land needs, adding an unnecessary time and cost burden to the Sisters community and those currently struggling to secure housing.
4. Should designate urban reserves for long-term certainty
Designating urban reserves as an extension of this UGB expansion process would provide long-term clarity about where growth is happening and streamline future UGB expansions. We urge the City of Sisters to commit to Urban Reserves as a valuable next step in planning for Sisters' long-term future.
5. Does not need the McKenzie Meadows Village properties
These properties present wildfire, wildlife, and transportation concerns, and rely on inappropriate rezoning of protected forest resource lands—the last priority for UGB expansion under both Oregon statute and administrative rule. With over 1,000 acres of “Priority 1” land available, and only a 250 acre land need, these 58 acres are not necessary to accommodate future growth.